Brazilian country singer Felipe Silva died Monday, July 14, at age 24 after suffering fatal head injuries in a pickup truck accident two days earlier in Araguaína, a city in the state of Tocantins.
Silva, who performed as half of the rising country music duo Felipe & Raphael, was sitting in the back of a parked pickup truck on Saturday when someone suddenly started the engine. The jolt caused him to lose his balance and fall, striking his head on the ground, according to his manager.
The singer was immediately rushed to a local hospital where he was treated for brain swelling. Despite medical efforts, Silva succumbed to his injuries on July 14, according to multiple reports.
The official Instagram page for Felipe & Raphael announced the news with a statement written in Portuguese. The band indicated that Silva had gone too soon and was now with his Creator in heaven, with his light soul and voice eternally alive. The post noted that Silva was more than an artist, describing him as light, joy, courage and perseverance who left smiles and seeds wherever he went.
Silva and his childhood friend Raphael Sousa had formed their country music duo in 2024. The young artists were preparing to release their first recording project, an extended play titled “Extended Play,” later in 2025. Their debut performance together took place in April, just months before Silva’s death.
In what would become his final social media post, Silva had shared an optimistic message on Instagram on June 29, approximately two weeks before his death. He wrote in Portuguese about each chord being a step in his dream that grew stronger every day. Silva noted, “It may be just the beginning, but the will to live from music is already huge.”
The band’s manager, Diego Roni, posted a tribute to Silva on his Instagram Story, expressing that Silva was no longer with them physically and that the pain was difficult to put into words. Roni emphasized that what remained forever was what Silva had left on stages, backstage, in rehearsals, conversations, and dreams.
Roni indicated that the duo Felipe & Raphael was born with a purpose and a flame that Silva had helped ignite, and that this flame would now be kept alive by all of them. The manager suggested that the musical project would continue despite Silva’s death.
The Felipe & Raphael Instagram account, which has accumulated over 3,000 followers, became a focal point for fans and friends to express their grief. The band’s statement described the duo as a project born from the heart and true friendship, nurtured with talent, faith, and determination to succeed.
Fans filled the comments section with condolences and memories of Silva. Many expressed disbelief at his sudden death and praised his character, describing him as someone who brought joy to others and was beloved by those who knew him. Several fans noted that Silva had been a light on earth and that his infectious personality would be deeply missed.
The duo had been actively performing in the months leading up to Silva’s death. Social media posts showed they had performed a show earlier in July, just weeks before the fatal accident. Their musical career was gaining momentum as they prepared for the release of their first commercial recording.
Silva’s death represents a significant loss for Brazil’s emerging country music scene. Despite his young age, he had already begun building a dedicated fan base and was earning recognition for his musical talents alongside his longtime friend and musical partner.
His partner Raphael Sousa has indicated through social media posts that he plans to continue their musical legacy, sharing throwback photos and videos of Silva as a way to honor his memory and their friendship that began in childhood.